Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. - Psalm 90:12
Today is the 5,479th day that Mandy and I have been married! That’s 15 years for those who don’t like math. I used a calculator myself! Anniversaries are fun because they help us to look back on all that we have been through, accomplished, and celebrated. Mandy’s post on Facebook recounts:
“15 years married, 20 years as a couple, blessed with three crazy boys, lived in five states, bought three houses (and enjoyed our shoebox apartment!), supported and encouraged each other through many degrees, served four churches in full time ministry, survived the writing of your dissertation, traveled America and enjoyed our cruises, have worshipped and been refreshed at several SBC annual meetings, have lost several loved ones. Life has not always been easy, good or predictable, but God has blessed us and been with us!”
God has been so good to us and we are grateful! That sense of gratefulness also reminds us to make the most of however many days are ahead, which we hope are many, many more as well!
Today is also day 67 of serving as the Senior Pastor of Hyland Heights Baptist Church. Already we have seen God do incredible things in our midst, even in the midst of the Coronavirus! To me day 67 is wonderful, I’ve enjoyed nearly every single one. Day 67 is also a reminder that my days, however many God would see fit to bless me with, are numbered here too. Like my marriage, I pray that those days will extend a long, long time! However, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and called to make the most of each day for Jesus. Whatever days God give me, my constant prayer is that I, and we together, will see fit to always make the most of them for Jesus.
Below are some ways that we are making our days count here at Hyland Heights Baptist Church. Our weekly financial update can also be found below.
Running the Race: Last Saturday was our annual color run 5k fundraiser which raises money to support our children’s ministry camp week. This year’s race raised over $7200! Thank you to all the participants and sponsors for helping make this event such a success.
Phase 2! Words fail to express our excitement as we begin phase 2 of our regathering plan. We know that our church family truly loves to spend time together and we have heard from so many of you just how much you look forward to this as well. Still, we know that we live in unprecedented times and that others may have concerns about what regathering will look like. We want to reemphasize that while Life Groups, children’s, and student ministries will be back, that some aspects of being together will continue to look different. Because people are our priority our desire is to make sure each space is cleaned to the highest standards and that we are still doing our best to maintain CDC guidelines for social distancing. For the most up-to-date information you can continue to go to HHBC.net/coronavirus. In addition, if you have a child, make sure to watch Pastor Mike’s video explaining what Sunday will look like for your children and family here:
Save the Date: The past few weeks we have been working with Campbell County Sheriff’s Department who will be hosting a Family Night in our parking lot on July 9th from 6-8 p.m. This event will have free food and the Sheriff’s department is hoping it will be a time to build unity in our community. Our church will also have tents set up to promote VBS and to pray with members of our community. If you would like to be a part of loving on our community in the name of Jesus please contact the church office.
In Case of Emergency: We have teams that work exceptionally hard to make sure our church family is safe including a newly added medical response team. If you ever experience or see any emergency on our campus you can call our HHBC Emergency Response line at 434-515-1053 so we can direct the right people to the right place as quickly as possible. While we hope we never have to use these teams, we know having these teams in place for when a crisis happens is crucial to taking care of our church family with the love of Jesus.
HHBC Weekly Financials:
Weekly Offering: $27,039.82
Weekly Budget: $33,228.00
As of June 14th, we have received 104% of our year-to-date budget.
Please continue to remember that giving in worship will continue to look different throughout phase 2 of our regathering plan. We will not pass the plates for your safety, but will have offering baskets where you can give as you exit the worship center following whichever service you attend. For many, we know that you have started to give online and this continues to be an excellent choice to make giving easier/safer for you and to make sure that the ministry and mission of HHBC continues to impact more lives the weeks to come. If you would like to give to Hyland Heights online, simply go to hhbc.net/give.
Dr. Josh Carter
Senior Pastor
4 “Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am. 5 In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah 6 Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them. 7 “Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you." - Psalm 39:4-7